E-commerce
Beyond eBay and Amazon: The Best Apps to Sell Used Items
The Best Apps to Sell Used Items Beyond eBay and Amazon
When considering platforms to sell your used items, there are many options beyond the giants eBay and Amazon. Each platform has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, such as fees, selling ease, and customer base. In this article, we explore several popular apps and discuss the factors you should consider when selecting the right one for you.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the world of selling used items online, it is essential to clarify your goals and requirements. Are you looking to keep transaction fees as low as possible, or are you willing to invest in advertising to attract more customers? Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision.
Local Sales with Minimal Fees
If you want to sell without fees and prefer local sales with cash upon pick-up, you might want to consider Offer Up or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms are designed for local transactions and do not charge usage fees. However, they require you to manage the logistics of meeting buyers and handling cash payments yourself.
Online Sales with Credit Card Payments
If you prefer to take online orders via credit card payments, you'll need to be prepared to pay for the use of the website’s domain, credit card processing, and web traffic. Popular options include:
eBay: Known for its large customer base, eBay has higher listing fees, currently around 13% of the sale price. Amazon: Offers a vast marketplace but charges a significant percentage of each sale. Shopify: Allows you to build your own website, providing more control over your sales process. However, it comes with monthly fees, typically around $30 per month, including a domain name, which costs an additional $17 yearly. Mel's Ecommerce: A freemium platform, ideal for those who don't want to pay monthly fees. However, its ease of use is not as high as Shopify.Personal Perspective and Recommendation
I personally prefer using Shopify because it gives me a lot of flexibility and control over my store. However, setting up and maintaining a Shopify store can be challenging, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot on paid advertising. The secret to success with Shopify is promoting your store through social media and email marketing.
Another option that has worked well for me is PayPal as a payment processor. Since PayPal charges lower processing fees compared to other platforms, it can significantly reduce the amount that is removed from your sales.
Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned
My son and I frequently buy and sell car parts, focusing on parts for high-performance vehicles. We’ve had some interesting interactions with Craigslist buyers, such as one who offered to trade a carton of Marlboro and a broken radio instead. On the other hand, eBay's fees have risen to 13%, making it less attractive for us.
Facebook Marketplace shines in terms of personal connection and authenticity. When selling an intake for a small block Chevy, we found it more effective to engage with buyers who had similar car photos, such as a Camaro with an engine on a stand. This type of interaction makes it more likely to close a sale.
While I haven't personally sold on Amazon, I've used it extensively for buying.
Conclusion
The choice of platform ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Local sales via Offer Up or Facebook Marketplace are great for minimal fees and quick transactions. For online sales, Shopify offers a high degree of control and flexibility, while eBay and Amazon have large customer bases but come with higher fees. Finally, using PayPal as a payment processor can help you minimize transaction costs.